Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPROVEMENTS IN LAVATORY DISPENSING DEVICES
The present invention relates to improved lavatory dispensing devices. More
particularly the present invention relates to improved lavatory dispensing
devices which
are useful in conjunction with a toilet cistern, as well as a method for
delivering a
treatment composition to a toilet bowl in toilets provided with a cistern. The
said
treatment composition contains one or more chemical constituents e.g.,
coloring agents,
cleaning agents, disinfecting agents, anti-lime scale agents which are
provided with the
dispensing devices.. The treatment composition is formed by water contacting
the
chemical constituents of the device coming into contact with the one or more
chemical
constituents, which are released into the bowl of the toilet.
Since the advent of sanitary appliances and in particular modern flush
toilets,
there has been a continuing need in the art to provide effective ways to
maintain these
appliances in a satisfactory condition between uses. The art is replete with
devices which
are intended to be used as "in the bowl" (or ITB) or "in the cistern" (or ITC)
in order to
provide a coloring and/or cleaning and/or fi-agrancing and/or sanitizing
effect to such
sanitary devices, particularly toilet bowls.
One common approach known to the art is to provide a device which is at least
immersed within the cistern or tank of a toilet, which may be either placed
wholly within
the interior of the toilet such as by placement at the bottom of a toilet tank
so that the
entire device is wholly immersed in water when the tank is full, or is at
least partially
immersed within the water present in a toilet tank, such as wherein such a
device is
suspended from a part of the toilet tank, such as a lip or rim of the tank.
Such are
generally referred to as ITC devices.
A shortcoming of such ITC devices known to the art resides in the fact that
they
are frequently totally immersed in the water present in the cistern. Two
technical
shortcomings frequently result from such immersed ITCs. First, the
compositions of an
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ITC are difficult to formulate as many constituents which are desirably
present in such
lavatory blocks such as many surfactants, particularly higher foaming
surfactants
including anionic surfactants, are also water soluble or water dispersible.
Thus when a
solid lavatory block containing surfactants, particularly higher foaming
surfactants are
immersed in water for a period of time, often the presence of such surfactants
undesirably
softens the immersed block and reduces the performance characteristics of the
block over
time, and may even lead to diminish lifespan due to premature dissolution of
the solid
lavatory block. While this problem may be addressed by the use of different
surfactants
which are more hydrophobic, such more hydrophobic surfactants are also
recognized in
the art as having reduced cleaning and/or foaming. Further, the compositions
of an ITC
block may include constituents such as an active source of oxygen, such as an
oxidant
compound or composition such as bleach, the presence of the oxidant in the
standing
water of the toilet cistern frequently chemically attacks any metal parts
which are also
present in the standing water of the cistern and may induce corrosion, and
premature
failure of any mechanism which comprises such metal parts. Prominently,
flushing
mechanisms for releasing or dispensing water to be flushed from the cistern to
the toilet,
and/or cistern refill devices for refilling the toilet cistern following a
flush cycle come
into consideration. While this problem may be addressed by the inclusion of
corrosion
inhibiting compounds or compositions in lavatory block composition adapted to
be used
in an ITC, or as an ITC, such increases the complexity of such a lavatory
block
formulation as well as its cost.
A further technical problem in the art resides in the fact that during the
flush cycle
of a toilet, the quantity of water present in the cistern is released into the
toilet bowl via
one or more fluid passages which provide a fluid conduit between, which while
effective
in providing a treatment composition such as it intended to provide a general
cleaning
and/or sanitizing/disinfecting benefit to the toilet bowl consequence from the
contact of
the water provided by the flush cycle, this lime of water containing such a
treatment
composition or forming a treatment composition is essentially evacuated at the
conclusion of the flush cycle and passes to the drain lines, with little if
any essentially
remaining within the interior of the toilet bowl. Add her to the conclusion of
the flush
cycle, and during the refilling of the cistern, typical devices provide water
to fill the
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bottom of the toilet bowl, also referred to as the "sump" was a quantity of
fresh water
which supplied via a refill device. Such a refill device is well known in the
art comment
typically resides within the interior of the cistern. The refill device
typically includes a
float mechanism which rises or falls with the level of water within the
cistern, which float
mechanism is usually affixed via an intermediate linkage to a cutoff for a
fill valve.
When the cistern is emptied of its contents, the float drops, actuating the
refill device
such that a major proportion of water from a supply line is directed to the
interior of the
cistern, while at a secondary minor proportion of the water being supplied it
is passed
through an overflow conduit, said overflow tube having one and inserted into
the
standpipe of a flush valve, also known as the overflow tube. This secondary
minor
proportion of water is supplied to the interior of the standpipe of the flush
valve, and
passes through the base of the flush valve and into the toilet bowl. As the
refill device
operates, water is supplied to the interior of the cistern as well as to the
overflow conduit
and into the standpipe of the flush valve, during which process, referred to
as a "refill
cycle", the rising level of water within the cistern closes the float
mechanism to rise due
to its buoyancy with respect to this water, and ultimately when an appropriate
level of
water is supplied to the cistern, the cutoff for the fill valve operates and
terminates the
flow of water to both the interior of the cistern, as well as through the
overflow tube.
Typically, the appropriate level of water is a sufficient volume of water
wherein the top
level or top surface of the water within the cistern is below the open end at
the top of the
overflow tube. During this process, it is to be appreciated in that a major
proportion of
the water being supplied via the overflow conduit and downwardly through the
overflow
tube is retained within the sump of the toilet bowl.
US 6240572 provides a device useful in the sanitization of a toilet. As it is
seen
from that document, the main body of said device is substantially cylindrical
and
comprises a plurality of stacked sanitizing tablets therein. Further, the
inlet to the main
body is at the base thereof and as can be seen from the figure this impedes
the flow of
water being provided from a conduit which must then pass about the peripheral
margins
of the stacked sanitizing tablets and operate against the force of gravity.
Thus the interior
of the device is pressurized during the flow of water through the main body of
the device
else it would not flow upwardly. As a visible from the depiction, the stacked
sanitizing
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tablets have essentially the same cross-sectional diameter as the interior
cross-sectional
diameter of the substantially cylindrical main body of said device, and it is
foreseen that such
will deleteriously affect the fluid flow of water being supplied to the
interior of said device. It
is expected that any erosion of said stack of sanitizing tablets will occur
beginning with the
base tablet and as the stack of sanitizing tablets are sequentially eroded,
the next vertically
positioned tablet will fall downwards to the bottom of the device and continue
to block the
inlet to the main body. Such impedes the fluid flow passing through this prior
art device in an
unsatisfactory manner, and requires pressurization.
Thus, there exists a real and urgent need in the art for improved lavatory
dispensing devices which are particularly well adapted to be positioned in a
toilet cistern, viz.,
an ITC device, as well as a method of making such an ITC device as well as
methods for the
treatment of a toilet bowl via the use of such an improved ITC device.
The present invention, in its various aspects, provides a lavatory dispensing
device useful for the delivery of at least one treatment composition,
preferably a cleaning
composition and/or a sanitizing composition to a sanitary appliance, e.g. a
toilet bowl. The
device is used as an ITC type device.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an improved
lavatory dispensing device comprising a treatment composition adapted to be
mounted on the
overflow tube of a toilet or other lavatory appliance.
In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a process for treating a
sanitary appliance, especially a toilet, with the improved lavatory dispensing
device described
herein.
In a third aspect there is provided a method for the manufacture of the
improved lavatory dispensing devices described herein.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a lavatory
dispensing
device which delivers at least one treatment composition to a toilet bowl
which device
comprises: a non-pressurizable lavatory dispensing device comprising a hollow
body having
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an inlet located along or at a top surface of the device which inlet is open
to the ambient
environment of the toilet, and an outlet also open to the ambient environment
of the toilet in
which it is installed, said hollow body defining an interior cavity which is
adapted to contain a
quantity of a chemical treatment composition as well as a quantity of water
which is adapted
to be provided to the interior of said hollow body via the inlet, and a siphon
means having a
first open end within the interior cavity, and a second open end within the
outlet or exterior of
the device, wherein the outlet of the device is in the form of a hollow,
downwardly extending
leg, wherein the leg is adapted to be inserted at least partially into the
interior of an overflow
tube present in a cistern of a toilet and whereby the dispensing device is
wholly suspended
upon the top open end of the overflow tube by a linear gap present between the
outlet and the
hollow body, and wherein a part of the siphon means is within and/or adjacent
to the hollow
cavity, and a further part of the siphon means extends within and/or is
adjacent to the hollow,
downwardly extending leg, and wherein the cross-sectional area of the second
open end of the
siphon means is less than the cross-sectional area of the outlet of the
device.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for
delivering a treatment composition to the interior of a toilet bowl, which
includes the steps of:
providing a lavatory dispensing device according to the above aspect of the
invention to the
cistern of a toilet having an overflow tube wherein at least a part of the
lavatory dispensing
device is inserted in to the interior of the overflow tube, and, periodically
supplying water
through the lavatory treatment device in order to form a lavatory treatment
composition with
said water which lavatory treatment composition is used to treat the interior
of a toilet bowl.
=
These and other aspects of the invention will be more evident from a reading
of
the following specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 depicts in a cross sectional view a toilet cistern (toilet tank),
also
depicting a dispensing device according to the invention mounted therein.
Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D each depict a view of a dispensing device in a
specific state of operation relative to the operation of the toilet.
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Figure 3 depicts in a crass-sectional view a further embodiment of a
dispensing
device.
Figure 4 illustrates in a cross-sectional view a different embodiment of a
dispensing device.
Figure 5 depicts in a cross-sectional view a still further embodiment of a
dispensing device.
Figure 6 illustrates in a cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of a
dispensing device.
Figure 7 illustrates in a cross-sectional view a yet further embodiment of a
dispensing device.
Figure 8 depicts in a cross-sectional view a further embodiment of a
dispensing
device.
Figure 9 depicts in a perspective view a further embodiment of a dispensing
device.
Figures 10A and 10B two different views of a yet further embodiment of a
dispensing device.
Figures 11A, 11B and 11C depict three different views of a further embodiment
of
a dispensing device.
Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a still further embodiment of
a
dispensing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Broadly defined, the present invention provides a non-pressurizable lavatory
dispensing device comprising a hollow body having an inlet located along or at
the top surface
of the device which inlet is open to the ambient environment of the lavatory
appliance, viz.,
toilet, in which it is installed, and an outlet also open to the ambient
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environment of the lavatory appliance, viz., toilet, in which it is installed,
said hollow
body defining an interior hollow cavity which is adapted to contain a
quantity, e.g, a
mass, of at least one chemical treatment composition as well as a quantity of
a liquid,
especially water, provided to the interior of said hollow body via the inlet,
wherein the
outlet of the device is adapted to be inserted at least partially into the
interior of an
overflow tube present in the cistern of a toilet (or other sanitary appliance)
and whereby
the said hollow body is suspended downwardly from the top open end of the
overflow
tube, and wherein the device includes a siphon means extending between the
interior of
the hollow body, and the exterior of the device, which siphon is adapted to
withdraw
liquid present within the interior of the hollow body therefrom and transfer
said liquid to
the exterior of the device preferably, to the exterior of the device via the
outlet thereof or
to the interior of the overflow tube. In certain preferred embodiments the
siphon means
is distinct from the outlet of the device, while in other preferred
embodiments the outlet
of the device concurrently operates as the siphon means.
In particularly preferred embodiments, the lavatory dispensing device is of a
sealed construction and cannot be opened by a consumer or other user once the
lavatory
dispensing device is assembled, and thus excludes an element which provides
for easy
access into the interior of the lavatory dispensing device, particularly to
the hollow body.
The interior cavity is in fluid communication with both the inlet, and with
the outlet. In
certain preferred embodiments, the inlet and the outlet are both located at
one side of the
hollow body with the inlet being separated from the outlet by a flow diverter
means such
as an internal diverter plate which directs the flow of any liquid being
supplied via the
inlet into the hollow cavity which contains the chemical treatment
composition. In certain
preferred embodiments, the inlet and/or the outlet are unobstructed by the
chemical
treatment composition present within the hollow body, and in particularly
preferred
embodiments both the inlet and the outlets are unobstructed by the chemical
treatment
composition present within the interior, especially within the interior cavity
of the
lavatory dispensing device. In preferred embodiments, the inlet of the device
may form
an upwardly directed tube or leg which provides for fluid communication
between an
open end of the inlet, with the hollow cavity in the interior of the device,
and the outlet of
the device may form a downwardly directed tube or leg which provides for fluid
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communication between the hollow cavity in the interior of the device, and an
open end
of the outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet is disposed or positioned
vertically
above the outlet, such that the inlet and the outlet may be considered to have
a center line
or center axis which is along the flow direction of the water passing
therethrough these
respective elements; in certain embodiments the center line or center axis of
the inlet
coincides with the center line or center axis of the outlet, while in certain
further
embodiments the center line or center axis of the inlet are parallel to but
non-coincident
with the center line or center axis of the outlet, while in still further
embodiments the
center line or center axis of the inlet is angled with respect to the center
line or center axis
of the outlet, wherein such angle is preferably not more than 90 , and in
order of
increasing preference is not more than 85 , 80 , 70 , 60 , 50 , 45 , 40 , 35 ,
30 , 25 ,
, 15 , 10 , and 5 .
The lavatory dispensing device of the invention includes a siphon means
effective
for removing or transferring a quantity of a lavatory treatment composition
present within
15 the interior cavity to the exterior of the device. Advantageously the
siphon means
extends between the interior of the hollow body, and the exterior of the
device which
siphon is adapted to withdraw liquid, e.g. water or a lavatory treatment
composition
formed within the device and transfer said liquid to the exterior of the
device. In certain
preferred embodiments an inlet end of the siphon is positioned within, or
alternately is in
20 fluid communication with the interior cavity, especially the hollow body
of the device
which interior cavity contains the chemical treatment composition, and an
outlet end of
the siphon is present within, or extends from the outlet of the device. In a
further
preferred embodiment, an inlet end of the siphon is positioned within, or
alternately is in
fluid communication with the interior cavity, especially the hollow body of
the device
which interior cavity contains the chemical treatment composition, and an
outlet end of
the siphon is present at a position exterior of the device, but not within or
extending from
the outlet of the device. In such an embodiment, the siphon is useful in
transferring a
liquid from within the interior cavity of the device outwardly o f the device
however
avoiding the outlet thereof This latter embodiment permits for the transfer of
liquid from
within the interior cavity to location different than the outlet, e.g., to a
volume of water
present within a toilet cistern. Alternately the latter embodiment permits for
the transfer
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of liquid from within the interior cavity to location different than the
outlet, e.g., to the
interior of the overflow tube but bypassing the outlet of the device, or
alternately, to the
interior of the toilet tank. In a still further preferred embodiment the
device is
configured such that the outlet part of the device forms part of the siphon
means, such
that the need for a discrete or separate siphon means and a discrete or
separate outlet
means is not needed, but rather part of the outlet means, or the outlet means
itself in
conjunction with a suitable configured device operates as the siphon means.
The siphon means may be a discrete part or element which is not integral to
the
construction of the device, e.g., is a pipe, tube, vessel or other fluid
conduit which may be
separately fabricated and later introduced into or upon the device during the
assembly
thereof, or alternately the siphon may be an integral part or element of the
device, e.g., is
molded as part of the device and forms an integral part thereof. The siphon
means may
be of any of a number of configurations which is found to be effective, and
may have any
useful cross-sectional profile. The rate of flow of a liquid through the
siphon can be
influenced or controlled by the cross-sectional profile, e.g., diameter or
cross-sectional
area transverse to the direction of liquid flow passing through the siphon
means.
Two or more siphons may also be present in the device according to the
invention
as siphon means, which may be used to transfer liquid from the interior of the
device to
the exterior of the device, which may be to two or more different locations or
points
within the lavatory appliance, but which may also be to the same location or
point within
the lavatory appliance, e.g., to the tank, to the interior of the overflow
tube, or other point
or location.
The inclusion of siphon means within the device of the invention provides
several
important technical advantages. The siphon means permits for the use of
chemical
treatment compositions in the device which may be deleteriously affected by
prolonged
immersion in a liquid, e.g. water. By "deleteriously affected" in this context
is that the
chemical treatment composition may be unduly softened, or too rapidly or
undesirably
rapidly dissolved by liquid, e.g., water, present within the device. Such
softening or too
rapid dissolution may undesirably shorten the useful service life of the
device when used.
Such softening or too rapid dissolution also constrains the choice of chemical
treatment
composition which might otherwise be contemplated for use with the device of
the
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invention. Such is relevant when a single chemical treatment composition is
present
within the device, and is perhaps more relevant when at least two chemical
treatment
compositions are present in the device, one of which is more liquid soluble
(e.g., aqueous
soluble) than at least a further different chemical treatment composition. In
the case of
such a plurality of different chemical treatment compositions being present in
the device,
having different liquid solubilities, it is frequently desired and may be
preferred that the
most liquid soluble, e.g., water soluble, chemical treatment composition be
consumed at
about the same time or at about that at least one further chemical treatment
composition
in the device is consumed by dissolution. In this manner, during the majority
of the
useful service life of the device, the formation of a lavatory treatment
composition will
comprise materials obtained from both the at least two chemical treatment
compositions,
namely the more liquid soluble, as well as one or more further less soluble
chemical
treatment composition.
During normal use of a device according to the invention which contains at
least
two different chemical treatment compositions having different liquid
solubilities, a first
chemical treatment composition having a first rate of liquid solubility "Ri",
e.g., aqueous
solubility, and a second chemical treatment composition having a second rate
of liquid
solubility "R2", e.g., aqueous solubility, desirably the difference between R1
and R2 does
not exceed 250%, and in order of increasing preference does not exceed: 225%,
200%,
180%, 160%, 150%, 140%, 120%, 100%, 90%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%,
25%, 20%, 10%, 5%, and most preferably are about, or, 0%. These rates of
liquid
solubility may be controlled by the selection of chemical constituents used to
form a
specific chemical treatment composition, and/or its size, mass or
configuration, and/or the
placement o f the chemical treatment composition within the hollow cavity in
the interior
of the device. Wherein the device includes a plurality of chemical treatment
compositions
having different solubilities, preferably the chemical treatment composition
being most
soluble within the liquid, e.g. water, may be assigned RI, while the chemical
treatment
composition present being most soluble within the liquid, e.g. water, may be
assigned R2.
In view of the foregoing, in certain preferred embodiments it is desirable
from a
consumer standpoint that where two or more chemical treatment compositions are
used
with the device, that they be consumer or exhausted at approximately the same
time.
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In certain and preferred embodiments of the lavatory dispensing device of the
invention, said device may also include a flow diverter means such as an
internal diverter
plate which directs the flow of any liquid being supplied via the inlet into
the hollow
cavity which contains the chemical treatment composition. Such a flow diverter
means is
not essential in all embodiments of the device, but is conveniently included
in this present
within the interior of the device particularly wherein that the center line or
center axis of
the inlet coincides with the center line or center axis of the outlet, ask
them in the absence
of such a flow diverter means liquid, viz., water entering the device of the
in liquid
flowed directly downwardly and exit the device via the outlet, without coming
into
contact with the hollow cavity and the chemical treatment composition
contained therein.
The form of the flow diverter means can take any shape or configuration which
is
suitable to provide such an effect, and indeed many in certain embodiments be
considered
to form an integral part of the inlet part of the device. Conveniently, the
flow diverter
means is in the form of a flat or curved element such as a flat or curved
plate which
redirects the direction of flow of the liquid entering the device through the
open end of
the inlet such that it is forced to enter the hollow cavity prior to exiting
the hollow cavity
via the outlet of the device. A plurality of elements or parts may also be
used as the flow
diverter means. In such a maimer, contact of the liquid entering the device
with the
chemical treatment composition can be reliably assured. A flow diverter means
however
can be omitted where the configuration of the devices such that the direction
of liquid,
viz, water entering the inlet is forced to pass through at least a portion of
the hollow
cavity prior to exiting via the outlet, such as wherein the center line or
center axis of the
inlet are non-coincident with the center line or center axis of the outlet.
The present inventors have also found that the hollow cavity of the lavatory
dispensing device should have an adequate volume which is sufficient to
contain within
its interior both a chemical treatment composition as well as a sufficient
quantity of a
liquid, e.g., water, which is retained within the hollow cavity and in
intimate contact with
the chemical treatment composition during the flush cycle of the toilet. The
intimate
contact of the water in such a manner permits for the formation of a lavatory
treatment
composition which is formed by the dilution, dissolution, diffusion, elution
and/or
solubilization of at least one or more chemical compounds from the chemical
treatment
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composition, or from the plurality of chemical treatment compositions, into
the water
present within the hollow cavity, particularly the water which passes through
and/or is
retained within the hollow cavity during the flush cycle of the toilet. Upon
the actuation
of the refill device of the lavatory appliance, a quantity of water is
supplied to the interior
of the lavatory dispensing device via its inlet, where said water flows into
the hollow
cavity and forms the lavatory treatment composition which can subsequently be
delivered
to the exterior of the device, such as through the outlet of the device and
into the interior
of the overflow tube, as well through the siphon means. Upon the cessation of
the supply
of water to the device of the invention, the siphon means operates to transfer
or remove
liquid, preferably the lavatory treatment composition from the interior of the
device and
transfer it outward from the device, e.g. outward through the outlet of the
device and into
the interior of the overflow tube, and/or from the interior of the device to
the exterior of
the device, e.g., into the liquid contained with the cistern of a toilet. The
rate of the
transfer of the liquid, preferably of the lavatory treatment composition, can
be controlled
by varying the size or dimensions of the siphon or siphons present as the
siphon means,
particularly by controlling the diameter or limiting at least a part of the
cross-sectional
area of the siphon means so to limit the flowrate of the liquid, especially a
lavatory
treatment composition passing therethrough.
The siphon means provides several important technical benefits to the device
of
the invention and to their mode of operation. A first technical benefit stems
from the fact
that following the cessation of the supply of water to the device of the
invention, such as
by the refill device, liquid present within the interior of the device, viz.,
the hollow
cavity, may be withdrawn and transferred out of the device which permits for
the
chemical treatment composition to at least partially dry until the next flush
cycle. Such
permits for the use of chemical treatment compositions which might otherwise
be
considered unsuitable for use in the device if said chemical treatment
compositions in a
liquid such as water which would lead to premature softening or unduly quick
dissolution
o f the chemical treatment composition. Such would be particularly true if the
chemical
treatment compositions were continuously immersed in a liquid, such as water.
A second
technical benefit realized from the use of the device containing a siphon
means resides in
the extended time interval during which a laboratory treatment composition can
be
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delivered to a toilet bowl via the livery of the same through the interior of
the overflow
tube upon the cessation, or following the cessation of supply water to the
device of the
invention. Use of the device according to the invention, particularly when
mounted upon
an inlet of the overflow tube such as the top thereof, wherein the outlet of
the device as
well as the outlet of the siphon means are directed into the interior of the
overflow tube
permits for the extended delivery or prolonged delivery of the laboratory
treatment
composition during, and after the conclusion of the flush cycle. Namely,
during the flush
cycle, when the refill device delivers a liquid, water, via the inlet of the
device into its
interior, a laboratory treatment composition is formed due to the intimate
contact, and at
least partial dissolution of the chemical treatment composition into the
liquid. During this
part of the flush cycle, the pressure of the stream of water entering via the
inlet forces the
laboratory treatment composition out via the outlet of the device, as well as
simultaneously filling the siphon means. Upon the termination or cessation of
water
supply to the device, the lavatory treatment composition present within the
hollow cavity
of the device is then transferred out from the device via the siphon action of
the siphon
means outward from the device and into the interior o f the overflow tube.
Appropriate
selection of the configuration of the siphon means, as well as the volume of
available
liquid treatment composition present within the device upon the cessation of
water supply
from the refill device can be established in order to deliver a desired volume
of liquid
treatment composition from the device. For example, providing a wider diameter
tube as
the siphon means if a more rapid delivery rate is desired or, conversely, a
narrower
diameter tube as the siphon means if a prolonged delivery rate is desired. The
advantage
of a prolonged delivery rate is that, a greater amount of the liquid treatment
composition
can be delivered into the interior or the sump of the toilet bowl within which
it would be
retained prior to the next flush cycle, e.g. a prolonged delivery o f the
lavatory treatment
composition.
Although the time interval during which a lavatory treatment composition may
be
delivered solely by a siphon means may vary, advantageously the device and
siphon
means is configured such that a lavatory treatment composition is delivered to
the
exterior of the device for at least 2 seconds, and in order of increasing
preference 4, 5, 7,
10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and at least 60 seconds following cessation of the
release or
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delivery of a lavatory treatment composition via a device's outlet. In such a
manner a
prolonged or time delayed release of a lavatory treatment composition may
occur. When
the device is used in a toilet, such as described in preferred embodiments,
preferably a
lavatory treatment composition may be delivered solely by a siphon means
following the
conclusion of the refill cycle of a toilet.
Accordingly, according to certain particularly preferred embodiments, the
siphon
means present within, or as part of the device according to the invention
operates to
essentially drain all of the liquid (<90% volume, preferably 95% volume, but
preferably
yet more) or lavatory treatment composition present within the device from
within the
interior of the hollow cavity of the device, and deliver it to the exterior of
the device.
Such can be simply attained by ensuring that the outlet of the siphon means is
at a
horizontal level or point lower than the inlet of the siphon means.
Preferably, such
delivery of the liquid is directed into the interior of the overflow tube, but
it is also
contemplated that the liquid can be delivered elsewhere, such as to the
interior of the tank
or cistern. Such may be advantageous particularly where the lavatory treatment
composition might include a visible indicator such as a dyestuff, or may
include a
suitable treatment agent which can be delivered into the cistern between
flushes. For
example, it may be advantageous to provide a small quantity of the laboratory
treatment
composition such as an antibacterial agent, e.g., a bleach, oxidizing agent,
or quaternary
ammonium compound in order to control the undesired growth of microorganisms
within
the tank, which may also be advantageous in reducing malodorous, etc. Thus, a
device
according to the invention can be configured whereby a chemical treatment
composition
is contained within the interior of the device, during the flush cycle a major
volume of the
lavatory treatment composition formed passes through the outlet of the device
and
downwardly through the overflow tube and into the sump of the toilet bowl,
while a
minor volume of the lavatory treatment composition he's delivered into the
tank or
cistern, particularly to the quantity of water contained therein.
Alternately, according to further preferred embodiments, the siphon means
present within, or as part of the device according to the invention operates
to drain some,
but not all of the liquid, particularly the lavatory treatment composition,
from within the
interior of the hollow cavity of the device and deliver it to the exterior of
the device,
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while at the same time allowing for the retention of a quantity of liquid
within the interior
of the device between flush cycles. This can be very simply achieved by
ensuring that the
outlet of the siphon means is at a horizontal level or point lower than the
inlet of the
siphon means, or the converse. Such a configuration ensures that some of the
liquid
present within the interior of the device is not drained or transferred out by
the siphon
means.
The interior cavity of the device, interchangeably referred to as the hollow
cavity
of the lavatory dispensing device should have an adequate volume which is
sufficient to
contain within its interior both a chemical treatment composition as well as a
sufficient
quantity of a liquid, e.g., water, which may be retained within the hollow
cavity and in
intimate contact with the chemical treatment composition. Such contact permits
for the
formation of a lavatory treatment composition in situ within the device, which
is formed
by the dilution, dissolution, diffusion, elution and/or solubilization of at
least one or more
chemical compounds from the chemical treatment composition which is at least
partially
or wholly immersed within liquid, or water contained within the device between
flush
cycles, namely the liquid present within the hollow cavity of the device below
the inlet of
the siphon means. The retention of water in intimate contact with the chemical
treatment
composition between flush cycles also allows for the formation of the lavatory
treatment
composition. Upon the actuation of the refill device of the lavatory
appliance, when a
quantity of water is supplied to the interior of the lavatory dispensing
device via its inlet,
water flows into the hollow cavity and forces the lavatory treatment
composition
outwardly through the outlet of the lavatory treatment device. During the
refilling of the
tank or cistern, the refill device acts to continuously provide a quantity of
water which
passes via the inlet of the device and into the hollow cavity where it comes
into contact
with at least one chemical treatment composition and forms an effective
lavatory
treatment composition which flows outwardly through the outlet ending to the
overflow
tube and into the sump of the toilet bowl during the operation of the refill
device. In
certain embodiments of the invention, namely wherein not all of the lavatory
treatment is
removed form the device via the outlet or the siphon means, the at least part
of the water
provided through the inlet retained within the interior of the hollow cavity
and in contact
with a chemical treatment composition, wherein it forms a further quantity of
a lavatory
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treatment composition which will be released upon the next flush cycle of the
toilet. This
quantity or volume of the lavatory treatment composition is within the hollow
cavity of
the device at a point below the inlet of the siphon means. Concurrently any
quantity or
volume of a treatment composition within the hollow cavity of the device,
which is
present within the device but present within a region of the hollow cavity but
vertically
above the inlet of the siphon means is drained, or transferred out from the
interior of the
device to the exterior of the device via the siphon means and advantageously
the outlet of
the siphon means is directed to supply said lavatory treatment composition
into the
interior of the overflow tube from whence it passes to the sump of the toilet
bowl. This
foregoing process repeats itself continuously upon each flush cycle until the
chemical
treatment composition or compositions present within the device is or are
fully exhausted
or consumed. According to this embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated
that the
device can contain an upper part and the lower part of the hollow cavity
separated by a
divider means or element which can for example be a mesh, screen, perforated
plate,
membrane or any other element or material which permits for the flow of
liquids such as
water but especially the flow of lavatory treatment composition between the
upper and
lower parts of the device. Concurrently, in this embodiment the inlet of the
siphon means
is advantageously positioned at a level vertically above, or approximately
coincident with
the base of the upper part such that, between flush cycles, any liquid,
especially lavatory
treatment composition contained within the hollow cavity of the device is
drained from
the upper part of the device, but a further volume of liquid which may be
present in the
lower part of the hollow cavity is retained within the hollow cavity of the
device between
flush cycles. In this manner, two (or more) chemical treatment compositions
can be
provided within the hollow cavity of the device, one being positioned
vertically above the
other within the upper part, the other being retained within the lower part of
the hollow
cavity.
In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device similar
to that
as described immediately above, wherein however the hollow cavity of the
device is
divided into at least an upper part which contains at least one chemical
treatment
composition, and a lower part which is empty of any chemical treatment
composition and
which lower part functions as a collection basin of the device. According to
this
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embodiment, it is preferred that the inlet of the siphon means is present
within, but
preferably coincident with the lowest point of this collection basin, but may
be above,
and the upper part and lower parts are separated by a porous element or
member, such as
a screen, perforated plate, membrane, and the like. In such an embodiment, a
quantity of
the chemical treatment composition is retained in the upper part of the hollow
cavity,
during the flush cycle is washed with liquid, preferably water, and due to
contact
therewith forms a lavatory treatment composition but upon the cessation of the
supply of
water into the device, the volume of the liquid contained within both the
upper part and
lower parts of the device, especially a lavatory treatment composition, is
transferred or
drained therefrom by virtue of the siphon means. The siphon means can have an
outlet
which is within the interior of the overflow tube, or the placement of the
outlet of the
siphon means can direct the supply of lavatory treatment composition to any
other point
as may be desired, e.g. into the tank or cistern. Such an embodiment can be
used with
one or more chemical treatment compositions present within the hollow cavity.
Advantageously according to the instant embodiment, any chemical treatment
composition present within the upper part of hollow cavity of the device are
allowed to at
least partially dry between flush cycles with the use of a device according to
this
embodiment.
In a yet further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device which
comprises two abutting or adjoining chambers contained within, or forming the
hollow
cavity of device according to the invention wherein a vertical divider wall or
other
element is present which separates a least a portion of the hollow cavity into
a first
containment chamber, and at least a second containment chamber. At least a
first
chemical treatment composition can be contained within the first containment
chamber,
at least a second chemical treatment composition can be contained within the
second
containment chamber. Such a device according to the invention also necessarily
includes
at least one, but may include more than one siphon means which are fluid
communications with at least the first containment chamber or the at least
second
containment chamber or both, which at least one siphon means are also in fluid
communication with one or more points exterior of the device, or alternately
are in fluic
communication with an outlet of the device. The vertical divider wall or other
element
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present may be arranged such that a liquid, such as water provided via the
inlet of the
device is divided into two separate streams, a first passing into the first
containment
chamber, and the second passing into the second containment chamber, forms, by
virtue
of contact with the respective chemical treatment compositions contained
within separate
chambers, lavatory treatment compositions which are kept separate from one
another
until there delivered outwardly from the device, such as into the interior of
an overflow
tube or to some other point in the laboratory appliance, e.g. the interior of
the tank or
cistern. The inclusion of a siphon means in fluid communication with one, or
with both
of these containment chambers allows for the prolonged or delayed delivery of
a lavatory
treatment composition in according to the manner described above.
Alternately, the vertical divider wall or other element present may be
arranged
such that a liquid, such as water provided via an inlet of the device passes
into a first of
the containment chambers where contacts a first chemical treatment
composition, and
thereby forms a first lavatory treatment composition which then sequentially
flows into
the second of the containment chambers wherein it contacts the second chemical
treatment composition and thereby forms a further lavatory treatment
composition which
may then be directed via an outlet and thus exit the device. The inclusion of
at least one
siphon means in fluid communication with at least one of the containment
chambers
permits for either the partial, or complete drainage or transfer of any liquid
contained
within one or both of the containment chambers to the exterior of the device
subsequent
to the cessation of the supply of water into the interior of the device, such
as via the refill
means. In accordance with such an embodiment, the first laboratory treatment
composition contacts the second chemical composition to form the final
laboratory
treatment composition which may be advantageous where a chemical reaction is
expected
to occur due to this sequential contact. Alternately or in addition thereto,
in accordance
with such an embodiment, a chemical treatment composition which would
otherwise be
considered unsuitable for use as being too soft, too soluble in the liquid,
especially water,
or which would be considered subject to premature erosion or solubilization
could be
used in such a device were a siphon means are provided in fluid communication
with the
containment chamber containing said chemical treatment composition. Including
such a
siphon means would provide for the drainage, preferably essentially complete
drainage of
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any liquid treatment composition contained within the containment chamber
between
flush cycles and allow said chemical treatment composition to a least
partially dry and
thereby reduce its undesirably rapid dissolution and prolong its useful
service life.
The inventors have found that desirably, at least a minimum volumetric ratio
or
volumetric proportion between the chemical treatment composition present
within the
interior of the device, particularly within the hollow cavity, and the
quantity of water
which is retained within the hollow cavity and in contact with the chemical
treatment
composition preferably be maintained in order to ensure the delivery of an
effective
lavatory treatment composition to the sump of the toilet (or other lavatory
appliance)
during the flush cycle. In accordance with preferred embodiments of the
invention, the
water passing through the inlet and into the interior of the hollow cavity
enters the hollow
cavity at a point above the quantity of a chemical treatment composition
present and is
not required to pass this mass or body of the chemical treatment composition
before
exiting via the outlet of the device. Rather, the flow of water passes into
the filled
volume of the cavity within the interior of the device. This filled volume is
as the
maximum quantity of the liquid, namely water, which may be contained within
the
interior of the lavatory treatment device when it is appropriately mounted
upon an
overflow tube, and any flow outward from any siphon means is blocked.
Typically, this
filled volume corresponds to the volume of the hollow cavity which exists
between the
base of the device and extends upward towards the top of the device to the
level of the
base of the outlet of the lavatory treatment device. This filled volume can be
readily
determined by mounting the lavatory treatment device onto an overflow tube in
its
normal operating position, and filling the hollow cavity up to the point with
liquid in an
amount sufficient to fill the bottom part of the hollow cavity but not in
amount wherein
said liquid flows out through the outlet of the device. As will be
appreciated, this bottom
part of the hollow cavity defines the maximum volume of water which can be
contained
within the lavatory treatment device, while the upper part of the cavity
defines the
headspace of the hollow cavity which is open to the ambient atmosphere within
the
interior of the cistern before, during, and after a flush cycle of the toilet.
In preferred
embodiments, the respective volumetric ratio between the chemical treatment
composition, and the water which may be retained within the interior of a
hollow cavity
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wherein both are simultaneously present is at least 1:2 and preferably is at
least 1:1.
The inventors of found that an insufficient respective volumetric ratio
between the
chemical treatment composition and the static water may result in the
formation of an
insufficiently effective lavatory treatment composition which is released and
later
retained within the sump of the toilet bowl. Such is particularly true wherein
a sanitizing
benefit is intended to be provided to the toilet bowl.
It is to be appreciated that during its operation, the interior volume of the
device,
that is to say the total interior volume of the inlet, hollow cavity, and
outlet are not
sufficiently sealed so to be pressurized by the flow of water being provided
by the
overflow conduit. Rather, both the force of gravity, as well as the dynamic
flow force of
the liquid, e.g., water, are the motive forces in the directional flow of the
liquid being
supplied to the device is essentially in a downward direction. Thus, the
device does not
require pressure-tight seals or pressure-tight connections in order to ensure
its reliable
operation, such as might be required if the flow of water from the overflow
conduit were
to be used to provide a pressurized, upward flow through the device.
Furthermore, as the
device is essentially unpressurized and as the connection between the outlet
of the
overflow conduit and the inlet to the lavatory treatment device taught herein
are not via a
pressure tight seal or pressure tight connection or fitting, should any
unexpected and
undesirable blockage or failure of the lavatory treatment device occur, such
as by a
blockage which would interrupt flow between the inlet and the outlet of the
lavatory
treatment device, then water exiting the overflow conduit would merely flow
and
overflow the inlet to the lavatory treatment device and into the cistern. Such
provides a
"fail-save" mode of operation. Such is particularly advantageous as, according
to
preferred embodiments, the open end of the inlet of the lavatory treatment
devices taught
herein are above the maximum water level of water contained within the cistern
and,
preferably are generally at least 1 centimeter, preferably at least 2 cm,
still more
preferably at least about 3 cm above the open end of the overflow tube when
the device is
mounted thereon.
Optionally but preferably the device according to the invention may
additionally
include an air treatment element. For example, such may be a reservoir
comprising a
quantity of an air treatment composition and/or fragrance composition which
may form
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part of or be used with the lavatory treatment device. Exemplary air treatment
constituents include a material which is useful in providing treatment of
ambient air, such
as a sanitizing agents . e.g., one or more glycols or alcohols, or materials
which are
intended to counteract, neutralize, or mask odors in the absence of, or in
conjunction
with, the fragrance composition of the present invention. Alternatively, the
air treatment
constituent may be one or more materials which provide and effective
insecticide
repelling or insecticidal benefit. Exemplary fragrance compositions include
naturally
derived or synthetically produced chemical compounds and chemical species,
such as
essential oils, derivatives thereof, and synthetically produced chemical
compounds which
may be used singly but are more frequently used as blends or mixtures. The air
treatment
element may include a reservoir can take any shape or suitable form, and can
be included
within the interior of the device, or on the exterior of the device, or may be
even be
separate from the device but provided as a separate article or element which
is separate or
separable from the device but intended to be placed in the near proximity of
the device,
e.g. attached to another part of the toilet or lavatory appliance or nearby to
the toilet or
lavatory appliance. An air treatment element may include carrier or substrate
for the air
treatment composition or fragrance composition which may be a porous material
such as
a pad or tablet which is impregnated with, or upon which is absorbed a
volatile
composition useful in providing an air treatment benefit, a gel or a solid
composition
which also contains a volatile air treatment composition which may emanate
from the air
treatment element and/or reservoir. Alternately the air treatment element
and/or reservoir
may contain a quantity of a particulate material in the form of a single body,
e.g. plate, or
as a plurality of spheres, or beads which function as a reservoir for an air
treatment
composition and/or fragrance composition, and from whence they may be
delivered to
the ambient environment. Non-limiting examples of such materials include those
currently marketed under the tradename Auracell (ex. Rotuba Extruders) which
are
based on fragranced cellulosic polymers, as well as Po1yIFF0 (ex.
International Flavors
and Fragrances Inc.), as well as Tenite0 (ex. Eastman Chemical Co.). It is
contemplated
that part of the device may be formed of one or more of the foregoing
materials,
particularly one or more which may be injection molded to form part of the
housing of
the device. The air treatment element may be used to provide an air treatment
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composition and/or a fragrance composition to the ambient environment of the
device,
e.g., within the interior of the tank or cistern, or to the near proximity of
the lavatory
appliance with which the device of the invention is mounted or used.
The lavatory dispensing device whether formed from a single unitary piece or
assembled from a plurality of discrete pieces or elements may be formed from
any of a
variety o f materials which can be used for the purpose described herein.
Exemplary and
preferred materials include metals such as coated papers which are at least
for a time
essentially impervious to water, metal sheets or metal foils, non-metallic
materials any of
a number of thermosettable or thermoformable synthetic polymers such as are
widely
used in casting or injection molding. Exemplary synthetic polymers such as
polyamides,
polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene) as well as
polyalkyleneterephalates (i.e.,
polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate), polystyrenes,
polysulfones,
polycarbonates as well as copolymers formed from monomers of one or more of
the
foregoing being several nonlimiting examples of useful synthetic polymers.
Preferably
the material of construction is at least somewhat flexible. As to the material
of
construction of the lavatory dispensing device, the only criteria being that
the selected
materials used to fabricate device are not deleteriously affected by the
chemical
constituents of the chemical composition contained within device or the
lavatory
treatment compositions forums using the device, and that they are impervious
to water.
Is appreciated that is too more different materials of construction can be
used to form the
to retrieve and devices according to the invention.
The dispensing devices according to the invention necessarily also comprise a
chemical treatment composition comprising at least one or more chemical
constituents
such that when the chemical treatment composition is rinsed or washed with
water, one
or more chemical compounds or chemical constituents are eluted from a mass of
the
chemical treatment composition and dispersed or dissolved into said water and
thereby
forms a treatment composition which is useful in treating a sanitary
appliance,
particularly a toilet bowl. The treatment composition advantageously provides
a cleaning
and/or sanitizing benefit to the treated sanitary appliance.
The chemical treatment composition of the invention may include any known art
cleaning agents or cleaning constituents known to those of ordinary skill in
the relevant
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art, and without limitation include one or more detersive surfactants selected
from
anionic, cationic, nonionic as well as amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants.
Certain
detersive surfactants may also provide a dual role in providing detergency as
well as a
disinfecting effect, viz, certain cationic surfactants, which are described
hereinafter as a
disinfecting agent. These one or more cleaning agents or cleaning constituents
may be
used with or without other constituents being present in the chemical
treatment
compositions of the invention.
In certain embodiments, the chemical treatment composition of the invention
desirably comprises a surfactant constituent which may be one or more
detersive
surfactants, especially one or more surfactants selected from: anionic
surfactants,
nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and
amphoteric
surfactants.
Exemplary useful anionic surfactants are alpha olefin sulfonates, as well as
salts
thereof, e.g., alkali metal salts. Preferred are C8 through C22 alpha olefin
sulfonates,
particularly C12 through C18, and especially C14, and C16 alpha olefin
sulfonates as well as
blends o f two or more thereof.
Exemplary useful nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene oxide condensates
of
alkyl phenols, condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with an alkylene
oxide,
especially an ethylene oxide, especially primary and secondary linear and
branched
alcohol ethoxylates, nonionic surfactants containing alkylene oxide,
especially in which
the major portion of the molecule is made up of block polymeric C2-C4 alkylene
oxides,
alkoxylated alkanolamides, preferably C8-C24 alkyl di(C2-C3 alkanol amides),
as well as
amine oxides.
Exemplary useful cationic surfactants include those which provide a germicidal
effect to the concentrate compositions, and especially preferred are
quaternary
ammonium compounds and salts thereof; which may be characterized by the
general
structural formula:
R2 R3 x-
R4
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where at least one of RI, R2, R3 and R4 is a alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl
substituent of from 6 to
26 carbon atoms, and the entire cation portion of the molecule has a molecular
weight of
at least 165. The alkyl substituents may be long-chain alkyl, long-chain
alkoxyaryl, long-
chain alkylaryl, halogen-substituted long-chain alkylaryl, long-chain
alkylphenoxyalkyl,
arylalkyl, etc. The remaining substituents on the nitrogen atoms other than
the
abovementioned alkyl substituents are hydrocarbons usually containing no more
than 12
carbon atoms. The substituents RI, R2, R3 and R4 may be straight-chained or
may be
branched, but are preferably straight-chained, and may include one or more
amide, ether
or ester linkages. The counterion X may be any salt-forming anion which
permits water
solubility of the quaternary ammonium complex.
Exemplary amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants include alkylbetaines,
especially amidoalkylbetaines, and sarcosinates.
The chemical treatment compositions may include one or more sanitizing agents
or germicides, including one or more of those known to those of ordinary skill
in the
relevant art, and without limitation, alkyl halohydanto ins, alkali metal halo
isocyanurates,
bleach, essential oils, non-quaternary ammonium based germicidal compounds as
well as
quaternary ammonium germicidal compounds.
The chemical treatment composition may also include compounds or constituents
which on contact with water, releases oxygen, hypohalite or a halogen and
especially
chlorine. Representative examples of typical oxygen-release bleaching agents,
suitable
for incorporation in the chemical treatment composition include the alkali
metal
perborates, e.g., sodium perborate, and alkali metal monopersulfates, e.g.,
sodium
monopersulfates, potassium monopersulfate, alkali metal monoperphosphates,
e.g.,
disodium monoperphosphate and dipotassium monoperphosphate, as well as other
conventional bleaching agents capable of liberating hypohalite, e.g.,
hypochlorite and/or
hypobromite, include heterocyclic N-bromo- and N-chloro-cyanurates such as
trichloroisocyanwic and tribromoiscyanuric acid, dibromocyanuric acid,
dichlorocyanuric acid, N-monobromo-N-mono-chlorocyanuric acid and N-monobromo-
N,N-dichlorocyanuric acid, as well as the salts thereof with water
solubilizing cations
such as potassium and sodium, e.g., sodium N-monobromo-N-monochlorocyanurate,
potassium dichlorocyanurate, sodium dichlorocyanurate, as well as other N-
bromo and
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N-chloro- imides, such as N-brominated and N-chlorinated succinimide,
malonimide,
phthalimide and naphthalimide.
The chemical treatment compositions may also include halohydantoins which
may be represented by the general structure:
R2
0
X2
0
wherein:
Xi and X2 are independently hydrogen, chlorine or bromine; and,
R1 and R2 are independently alkyl groups having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
Examples of halohydantoins include, for example, N,N'-dichloro-dimethyl-
hydantoin, N-
bromo-N-chloro-dimethyl-hydantoin, N,N'-dibromo-dimethyl-hydantoin, 1,4-
dichloro,
5,5-dialkyl substituted hydantoin, wherein each alkyl group independently has
1 to 6
carbon atoms, N-monohalogenated hydantoins such as chlorodimethylhydantoin
(MCDMH) and N-bromo-dimethylhydantoin (MBDMH); dihalogenated hydantoins such
as dichlorodimethylhydantoin (DCDMH), dibromodimethylhydantoin (DBDMH), and 1-
bromo-3-chloro-5,5,-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH); and halogenated
methylethylhydantoins such as chloromethylethylhydantion (MCMEH),
dichloromethylethylhydantoin (DCMEH), bromomethylethylhydantoin (MBMEH),
dibromomethylethylhydantoin (DBMEH), and bromochloromethylethylhydantoin
(BCMEH), and mixtures thereof. Other suitable organic hypohalite liberating
bleaching
agents include halogenated melamines such as tribromomelamine and
trichloromelamine.
Suitable inorganic hypohalite-releasing bleaching agents include lithium and
calcium
hypochlorites and hypobromites. The various chlorine, bromine or hypohalite
liberating
agents may, if desired, be provided in the form of stable, solid complexes or
hydrates,
such as sodium p-toluene sulfobromamine trihydrate; calcium hypobromite
tetrahydrate;
and calcium hypochlorite tetrahydrate. Brominated and chlorinated trisodium
phosphates
formed by the reaction of the corresponding sodium hypohalite solution with
trisodium
orthophosphate (and water, as necessary) likewise comprise useful inorganic
bleaching
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agents for incorporation into the inventive chemical treatment composition and
the
treatment blocks formed therefrom.
When present, preferably the bleach constituent is a hypohalite liberating
compound and more preferably is a hypohalite liberating compound in the form
of a solid
complex or hydrate thereof Particularly preferred are chloroisocynanuric acids
and
alkali metal salts thereof, preferably potassium, and especially sodium salts
thereof
Examples of such compounds include trichloroisocyananuric acid,
dichloroisocyanuric
acid, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, potassium dichloroisocyanurate, and
trichloro-
potassium dichloroisocynanurate complex. The most preferred chlorine bleach
material is
sodium dichloroisocyanurate.
When present, the bleach constituent may be present in any effective amount
and
may comprise up to about 90%wt., preferably at least about 0.01 ¨ 100%wt of
the
chemical treatment composition.
Other germicidally effective agents useful as sanitizing agents include sodium
dichloroisocyanurate (DCCNa) and sodium dibromoisocyanurate. Further examples
of
non-quaternary ammonium based sanitizing agents include pyrithiones,
ditnethyldimethylol hydantoin,
methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone
sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea,
benzyl alcohol, 2-
bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, formalin (formaldehyde), iodopropenyl
butylcarbamate,
chloroacetamide, methanamine, methyldibromonitile glutaronitrile,
glutaraldehyde, 5-
bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, phenethyl alcohol, o-phenylphenol/sodium o-
phenylphenol,
sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, dimethoxane,
thimersal dichlorobenzyl alcohol, captan, chlorphenenesin, dichlorophene,
chlorbutanol,
glyceryl laurate, halogenated diphenyl ethers, phenolic compounds, mono- and
poly-alkyl
and aromatic halophenols, resorcinol and its derivatives, bisphenolic
compounds, benzoic
esters (parabens), halogenated carbanilides, 3-trifluoromethy1-4,4'-
dichlorocarbanilide,
and 3,3',4-trichlorocarbanilide. More preferably, the non-cationic
antimicrobial agent is
a mono- and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenol selected from the group p-
chlorophenol,
methyl p-chlorophenol, ethyl p-chlorophenol, n-propyl p-chlorophenol, n-butyl
p-
chlorophenol, n-amyl p-chlorophenol, sec-amyl p-chlorophenol, n-hexyl p-
chlorophenol,
cyclohexyl p-chlorophenol, n-heptyl p-chlorophenol, n-octyl p-chlorophenol, o-
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chlorophenol, methyl o-chlorophenol, ethyl o-chlorophenol, n-propyl o-
chlorophenol, n-
butyl o-chlorophenol, n-amyl o-chlorophenol, tert-amyl o-chlorophenol, n-hexyl
o-
chlorophenol, n-heptyl o-chlorophenol, o-benzyl p-chlorophenol, o-benzyl-m-
methyl p-
chlorophenol, o-benzyl-m, m-dimethyl p-chlorophenol, o-phenylethyl p-
chlorophenol, o-
phenylethyl-m-methyl p-chlorophenol, 3-methyl p-chlorophenol, 3,5-dimethyl p-
chlorophenol, 6-ethyl-3 -methyl p-chlorophenol, 6-n-propy1-3-methyl p-
chlorophenol, 6-
iso-propy1-3-methyl p-chlorophenol, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl p-chlorophenol, 6-sec-
buty1-3-
methyl p-chlorophenol, 2-iso-propy1-3,5-dimethyl p-chlorophenol, 6-
diethylmethy1-3-
methyl p-chlorophenol, 6-iso-propy1-2-ethyl-3-methyl p-chlorophenol, 2-sec-
amyl-3 ,5-
dimethyl p-chlorophenol 2-diethylmethy1-3,5-dimethyl p-chlorophenol, 6-sec-
octy1-3-
methyl p-chlorophenol, p-chloro-m-cresol, p-bromophenol, methyl p-bromophenol,
ethyl
p-bromophenol, n-propyl p-bromophenol, n-butyl p-bromophenol, n-amyl p-
bromophenol, sec-amyl p-bromophenol, n-hexyl p-bromophenol, cyclohexyl p-
bromophenol, o-bromophenol, tert-amyl o-bromophenol, n-hexyl o-bromophenol, n-
propyl-m,m-dimethyl o-bromophenol, 2-phenyl phenol, 4-chloro-2-methyl phenol,
4-
chloro-3-methyl phenol, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol, 2,4-dichloro-3,5-
dimethylphenol,
3,4,5,6-terabromo-2-methylphenol, 5-methy1-2-pentylphenol, 4-isopropy1-3-
methylphenol, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, dichloro meta xylenol, chlorothymol,
and 5-
chloro-2-hydroxydiphenylmethane.
Quaternary ammonium based sanitizing agents include any cationic surfactant
which is known or may be found to provide a broad antibacterial or sanitizing
function;
these have been described above with reference to detersive surfactants.
As a further chemical constituent, the chemical treatment compositions of the
invention may also comprise a coloring agent which imparts either a color to
chemical
treatment compositions and/or to the water in which it comes into contact, but
especially
the coloring agent imparts a color to the water contained within the toilet
bowl
particularly following the flush cycle of a toilet. Colorants, especially
dyes, are preferred
when formulated as dry powders to enable direct incorporation into chemical
treatment
compositions of the invention, however, liquid colorants may be employed in
conjunction
with suitable carriers. When a bleach constituent is included in the chemical
treatment
composition, the colorant, e.g., dye, should be selected so to ensure the
compatibility of
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the colorant with the bleach constituent, or so that its color persists
despite the presence
in the toilet bowl of a concentration of hypochlorite which is effective to
maintain
sanitary conditions.
The chemical treatment compositions may also include a fragrance or other air
treatment constituent. The fragrance may be any composition which is known to
the art
to provide a perceptible fragrancing benefit, any may be based on naturally
occurring
materials such as one or more essential oils, or may be based on synthetically
produced
compounds as well. Exemplary air treatment constituents include a material
which is
useful in providing treatment of ambient air, such as a sanitizing agents .
e.g., one or
more glycols or alcohols, or materials which are intended to counteract,
neutralize, or
mask odors in the absence of, or in conjunction with, the fragrance
composition of the
present invention. Alternatively, the air treatment constituent may be one or
more
materials which provide and effective insecticide repelling or insecticidal
benefit; such
would be particularly useful in climates or environments where insects present
a nuisance
or health hazard.
As further chemical constituents, the chemical treatment compositions of the
invention may comprise an anti-limescale agent, which can be generally
classified as a
cleaning agent in that it provides a cleaning effect to treated lavatory
device surfaces. The
anti-limescale agent can virtually any known anti-limescale agent compositions
known to
those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, e.g., amidosulfonic acid,
bisulfate salts, organic
acids, sulfonic, and sulfamic acids and their salts, bisulfate salts, organic
phosphoric salts,
alkali metal polyphosphates, EDTA, and the like. Examples of anti-limescale
agent
compositions can be found in, for example, United States Patent Nos. 5759974;
4460490;
and 4578207, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
The chemical treatment compositions may comprise stain inhibiting materials,
such as a manganese stain inhibiting agent, such as a partially hydrolyzed
polyacrylamide
having a molecular weight of about 2000 to about 10,000, a polyacrylate with a
molecular weight of about 2000 to about 10,000, and/or copolymers of ethylene
and
maleic acid anhydride with a molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about
100,000.
The chemical treatment compositions of the invention may include one or more
preservatives, which are primarily included to reduce the growth of undesired
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microorganisms within the chemical treatment compositions during storage prior
to use
or while used, although it is expected that the such a preservative may impart
a beneficial
antimicrobial effect to the water in the sanitary appliance to which the
treatment block is
provided. Exemplary useful preservatives include compositions which include
parabens,
glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, 2-bromo-2-nitropropoane-1,3-diol, 5-chloro-2-
methy1-4-
isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, and mixtures thereof.
Examples of
commercially available preservatives which may be used include KATHONO CG/ICP
and KATHONO CG/ICP II (ex. Rohm and Haas) PROXELO (ex. Zeneca Biocides)
SUTTOCIDEO A (ex. Sutton Laboratories) as well as TEXTAMERO 38AD (ex.
Calgon Corp.)
The chemical treatment compositions may include a binder constituent,
particularly when the chemical treatment composition is formed into a solid or
sem-solid
mass such as a cake, tablet, block, briquette, densified powder, prill, or
other
configuration. The binder may function in part controlling the rate of
dissolution of the
tablet. The binder constituent may be a clay, or a water-soluble or water-
dispersible gel-
forming organic polymer, examples of which include chemically modified
celluloses
such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl
cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose,
carboxymethyl
hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose, naturally derived or
manufactured
(fermented) polymeric materials such as alginates and carageenan, as well as
water-
soluble starches and gelatin. The optional binder constituent may also be one
or more
synthetic polymers e.g, polyvinyl alcohols; water-soluble partially hydrolyzed
polyvinyl
acetates; polyacrylonitriles; polyvinyl pyrrolidones; water-soluble polymers
of
ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as acrylic acid and
methacrylic acid, and
salts thereof; base-hydrolysed starch-polyacrylonitrile copolymers;
polyacrylamides;
ethylene oxide polymers and copolymers; as well as carboxypolymethylenes.
The chemical treatment composition may optionally include one or more
dissolution control agents, which are materials which provide a degree of
hydrophobicity
to a treatment block formed from the chemical treatment composition. The
inclusion of a
dissolution control agent in treatment block or other mass formed from a
chemical
treatment composition contributes to the slow uniform dissolution of the
treatment block
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when contacted with water, and simultaneously the controlled release of the
active
constituents of the chemical treatment composition. Exemplary dissolution
control agents
are mono- or di-alkanol amides derived from C8-C16 fatty acids, especially C12-
C14 fatty
acids having a C2-C6monoamine or diamine moiety. The chemical treatment
compositions may optionally include one or more water-softening agents or one
or more
chelating agents, for example inorganic water-softening agents such as sodium
hexametaphosphate or other alkali metal polyphosphates or organic water-
softening
agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid and
alkali metal
salts thereof The chemical treatment composition may optionally include one or
more
solid water-soluble acids or acid-release agents such as sulfamic acid, citric
acid or
sodium hydrogen sulfate.
The chemical treatment composition may include diluent materials to provide
additional bulk of the product chemical treatment composition and may enhance
leaching out of the surfactant constituent when the chemical treatment
composition is
placed in water. Exemplary diluent materials include any soluble inorganic
alkali,
alkaline earth metal salt or hydrate thereof, for example, chlorides such as
sodium
chloride, magnesium chloride and the like, carbonates and bicarbonates such as
sodium
carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and the like, sulfates such as magnesium
sulfate, copper
sulfate, sodium sulfate, zinc sulfate and the like, borax, borates such as
sodium borate and
the like, as well as others known to the art but not particularly recited
herein.
The chemical treatment composition and blocks or other masses formed therefrom
may include one or more fillers. Such fillers are typically particulate solid
water-
insoluble materials which may be based on inorganic materials such as talc or
silica,
particulate organic polymeric materials such as finely comminuted water
insoluble
synthetic polymers.
The chemical treatment composition and treatment blocks formed therefrom may
include one or more further processing aids such as binders or plasticizers
serving to
assist in the manufacture thereof, for example, polypropylene glycol, pine oil
fractions, d-
limonene, dipentene and the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers.
Other
useful processing aids include tabletting lubricants such as metallic
stearates, stearic acid,
paraffin oils or waxes or sodium borate which facilitate in the formation of
the treatment
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blocks in a tabletting press or die. Further useful processing aids include
certain diester
constituents, as disclosed in published US patent application US 2007-0092477
Al, the
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Certain
hydrocarbon solvents are also useful as processing aids and may form part of
the
chemical treatment compositions of the device according to the invention.
Exemplary
hydrocarbon solvents include those disclosed in published US patent
application
2007/0003500 Al the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
Mineral oil is may also be advantageously used as a processing aid.
An exemplary and preferred lavatory treatment composition is a compressed
solid
block of a chemical treatment composition commercially available as (ex.
Lonza) having
the following composition:
98%wt. of a mixture of 3 -B romo-l-Chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, bromochloro-
5,5-dimethyllydantoin, 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, 1,3-dichloro-5-
ethy1-
5-methylhydantoin
1.5%wt. sodium chloride
0.5%wt. moisture.
The chemical treatment compositions may be provided in any of a number of
forms. In certain preferred embodiments the chemical treatment composition may
be
provided in the form of at tablet or cake which is formed by extrusion and/or
tabletting of
the chemical treatment composition into suitably sized tablets, cakes, bricks,
briquettes,
blocks, prills, pearls, or alternately the chemical treatment compositions may
be formed
in situ within the devices of the invention, for example by providing a molten
or flowable
quantity of the chemical treatment composition to the hollow cavity of the
device and
permitting it to set or hard within the cavity, e.g. by cooling, where it
forms a mass of the
chemical treatment composition.
Ideally the chemical treatment composition exhibit a density greater than that
of
water which ensures that they will sink when suspended in a body of water,
e.g., the
water present within the hollow cavity.
While the mass of the chemical treatment compositions formed from the
chemical treatment compositions may vary, and amount of up to an including 500
grams
may be practiced, generally the mass of the chemical treatment compositions do
not
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exceed about 250 grams. Advantageously the mass of the chemical treatment
compositions is between about 50 and 150 grams. It is appreciated that
chemical
treatment compositions having great mass should provide a longer useful
service life of
the lavatory dispensing devices, with the converse being equally true.
The chemical treatment compositions according to the present invention may
also
be provided with a coating of a water-soluble film, such as polyvinyl acetate
following
the formation of the treatment blocks from the recited chemical treatment
composition.
Such may be desired for improved handling, however such is often unnecessary
as
preferred embodiments of the blocks exhibit a lower likelihood of sticking to
one another
following manufacture than many prior art treatment block compositions.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that several of
the
components which are directed to provide a chemical composition can be blended
into
one chemical composition with the additional appreciation that potential
blending of
incompatible components will be avoided. For example, those of ordinary skill
in the art
will appreciate that certain anionic surfactants may have to be avoided as
some may be
incompatible with certain sanitizing agents and/or certain anti-lime scale
agents
mentioned herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
compatibility
of the anionic surfactant and the various sanitizing and anti-limescale agents
can be easily
determined and thus incompatibility can be avoided in the situations.
The chemical treatment compositions may be formed of a single chemical
treatment composition, or may formed of two (or more) different chemical
treatment
composition which may be provided as separate regions of a solid block, such
as a first
layer of a solid block consisting of a first chemical treatment composition,
alongside a
second layer of a second chemical treatment composition which is different
than the first
chemical treatment composition, such a solid block may also be formed of two
or more
separate blocks which are simply layered or otherwise assembled, without or
without the
use of an adhesive. Further layers of still further different chemical
compositions may
also be present. Such chemical treatment compositions formed having two or
more
discrete layers or regions of, respectively, two or more different chemical
compositions
or different chemical treatment compositions may be referred to as composite
blocks.
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The chemical treatment composition may be a block may also be formed of two
or more separate blocks which are simply layered or otherwise assembled,
without or
without the use of an adhesive. Alternately the solid block may be physically
separated
from one another such as by a plate or other physical barrier element forming
part of the
hanger, or more simply, by providing a simple gap between two masses or bodies
of
lavatory block compositions when they are applied to, or supplied to a hanger.
Such
latter embodiments provide a technique for using two chemically incompatible
chemical
treatment compositions as parts of a single dispensing device according to the
invention.
Any form o f the chemical treatment compositions may also be provided with a
coating film or coating layer, such as a water soluble film which is used to
overwrap the
chemical composition provided in the device which film provides a vapor
barrier when
dry, but which dissolves when contacted with water. Alternately the chemical
treatment
compositions may be oversprayed or dipped into a bath of a water soluble film
forming
constituent, and thereafter removed and thus allowing the water soluble film
forming
constituent to dry and form a coating layer on the solid block.
The application of a water soluble film or coating is preferred in certain
embodiments of the invention as the surface film may facilitate the handling
of the blocks
during packaging and storage prior to use of the dispensing devices described
herein.
The service life of the lavatory treatment devices of the invention are
preferably
from about 10 to about 30 days, based on approximately 12 flushes per day.
Preferably
the service life of the chemical treatment compositions present within the
lavatory
treatment devices is at least about 21 days when the device is installed in
the overflow
tube in the cistern, or tank, of a lavatory device, especially a toilet.
Preferably the
temperature of the water which is flushed is in the range of 16¨ 24 C. The
length of
service life of the lavatory dispensing device of the invention will of course
depend on a
variety of factors including the specific formulation of the chemical
treatment
composition which it contains, water temperature, the number and frequency of
flushes
over the period of use and the volume of the water which contacts the chemical
treatment
compositions within the lavatory dispensing device.
Various configurations of dispensing devices according to the present
invention,
including certain particularly preferred embodiments, are depicted on the
following
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figures. In the accompanying figures, like elements are indicated using the
same numerals
throughout the figures.
Figure 1 depicts in a cross sectional view a toilet cistern (toilet tank). As
is seen
therein, the cistern 10 is a vessel adapted for a containing a quantity of
water 12 which is
used to flush a toilet bowl or other sanitary appliance which is attached to
the toilet
cistern 10. Interior of the cistern 10 is provided a refill device 14 which
comprises a float
16 an inlet tube 18 and a cut off device 20 which operates to permit the
inflow of water
from an outside source into the interior 11 of the cistern 10. The cut off
device 20 also
operates to permit or to deny the delivery of water through an overflow
conduit 22 which
exits the refill device 14 via the overflow conduit 22, here depicted as a
flexible tube, into
the inlet 32 of the depicted lavatory dispensing device 30. As is visible from
Fig. 1 and
as is well recognized in the art, the overflow tube 24 has a top end 26 open
to the interior
11 of the cistern 10 and at the opposite end thereof is second bottom end 30
in a mating,
liquid tight connection to a flush valve 28.. This bottom end 30 of the
overflow tube 24
is typically connected to a portion of the body of the flush valve 28 by a
liquid tight
connection whereby that passage of the cistern water 12 is denied, (except
when a failure
of the refill apparatus 14 occurs). As is seen, the bottom open end 30 is in
fluid
communication with the interior cavity 32 of the flush valve 28 such that, as
is readily
appreciated any water flowing into the upper open end 26 of the overflow tube
24 falls
downwardly through the bottom open end 30, past the flap valve 34 and
downwardly
through the open cavity 32 wherein it ultimately passes to the bowl of a
toilet or of a
sanitary appliance (not shown).
As has been discussed previously in specification, during a flush cycle, the
majority of the water 12 present in the tank cistern 10 is released by
displacement in an
upward direction of the flap valve 34 whereby, due to the difference in
hydrostatic
pressure, the bulk of the water 12 is suddenly released into the flush valve
28 where it
flows outwardly from the cistern 10 and downwardly and into a toilet (or other
sanitary
appliance similarly configured). This concurrently causes the float 16 to fall
downwardly
and as the water 12 exits the cistern, the refill device 14 operates to admit
water in order
to reinstate the prior level of water within the cistern 10. As the flush
cycle, that is to say
the release of the bulk of the water 12 from the cistern 10 by opening the
flap valve 34 is
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quite rapid and typically is on the order of the less than approximately 30
seconds,
typically less than 20 seconds, a relatively small amount of water is often
admitted by the
refill device 14 during the time that the flap valve 34 is open. After the
release of most of
the water 12, the flap valve 34 closes under the influence of gravity and such
signals the
conclusion of the release phase of the flush cycle, and indicates the
initiation of the refill
phase of the flush cycle wherein water being admitted into the cistern 10 via
the refill
device 14 begins refilling of the cistern 10. The operation of the refill
device typically
divides the quantity, that is to say the volumetric quantity, of water
entering into a major
portion which is normally directed into the interior of the cistern 10 so that
it can be
rapidly refilled, and a minor portion being diverted through the overflow
conduit 22.
Such diversion and division of the volumetric quantity being admitted is
purposeful in
that at or near the end of the release phase of the flush cycle, as the sump
of toilet is
emptied by virtue of the flushing water 12, it is desirable to refill the
level of water in the
toilet sump (not shown) and this is readily done by admitting a stream of
water during the
refill phase via the overflow conduit 22 into the overflow tube 24 where it
flows
downwardly and ultimately refills the sump of the toilet bowl or sump of other
lavatory
device. Water is admitted into the interior of the cistern 10 as well as
through the
overflow conduit 22 until the level of the float 16 rises and cuts of the
supply of water, at
which time all supply of water to the cistern 10 ceases. Such ceases the
supply of water to
the overflow conduit 22 and the overflow tube 24, and also signals the end of
the refill
phase of the flush cycle as well as the end of a flush cycle.
Thus, it is readily understood that water enters the overflow tube only
intermittently during the operation of the lavatory device, namely only during
a flush
cycle. Therefore, the positioning and use of the lavatory dispensing device
taught herein
intermediate the overflow conduit and the overflow tube directs the water
provided from
the overflow conduit 22 into the interior of the device 30, and provides for
the formation
of a the lavatory treatment composition and delivering the same to the toilet
bowl via the
overflow tube 24. The inclusion of the siphon means associated with the device
30
permits for removal, e.g., transfer, draining of the lavatory treatment
composition from
with in the interior of the device 30 to its exterior, and advantageously into
the overflow
tube 24 wherein it may be directed to the toilet bowl while the flush valve 34
is closed.
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The lavatory treatment composition may be partially, or essentially fully
removed from
the interior of the device 30, thereby permitting for a chemical treatment
composition to
at least partially dry until the next flush cycle.
During the refill phase of a flush cycle, the flow of water being admitted via
the
overflow conduit 22 enters via the open end 31 of the inlet 32 of the lavatory
dispensing
device 30, wherein it is diverted by a diverter plate 34a in the direction
indicated by
arrow "a", causing the water to enter into the hollow cavity 35 wherein it
comes into
contact with a chemical treatment composition, here in the form of a
compressed
cylindrical tablet 40, wherein the water dissolves, elutes or entrains part of
the
compressed cylindrical tablet 40 which the water contacts and thus forms the
lavatory
treatment composition which flows out of the hollow cavity 35 into the
interior of the
overflow tube 24 wherein the lavatory treatment composition flows downwardly
through
the outlet 36 of the lavatory treatment device 30 and exits the same through
the open end
37 of the outlet 36 in the direction indicated by arrows "b" through the
overflow tube 24
and is provided directly into the sump of the toilet or other sanitary
appliance. This
chemical treatment composition may be a cleaning composition and/or a
sanitizing
composition, or any other composition which provides a treatment benefit to
the toilet or
other sanitary appliance. Thus, by virtue of the sequence of timed events, the
delivery of
a lavatory treatment composition is provided to the sump of a toilet bowl or
other sanitary
appliance at a particularly beneficial point in the flush cycle, namely during
the refill
phase of the flush cycle as well as subsequently which thus provides that the
resultant
lavatory treatment composition may be resident in the sump of the toilet bowl
between
uses of the toilet or sanitary appliance, more specifically between flush
cycles.
Figure 1 depicts a cross-sectional view a preferred mode ofplacement of the
dispensing device according the invention with respect of the overflow tube
24. As is
seen in the cross sectional view provided, the lavatory dispensing device 30
is wholly
suspended upon the open top end 26 of the overflow tube 24 by a gap 38 present
between
the outlet 36 and the base 39a of the device 30, such that at least apart of
the overflow
tube 24 and especially its outlet 36 is within the interior of the overflow
tube 24 and the
outlet 37 is directed downwardly in a direction away from the open end 26 of
the
overflow tube 24. In this cross sectional view is also visible the interior of
the device 30,
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including the filled volume of the device which corresponds to the volume of
the hollow
cavity 35 which exists between the base 39a of the device and extends upward
towards
the top of the device to the level of the top of the outlet 36b of the
lavatory treatment
device. Such also defines a "saddle" between the hollow cavity 35 and
extending
downwardly to the base 39a thereof, and the outlet 36 herein in the form of a
hollow,
downwardly extending "leg" of the device 30. Also visible it that the quantity
o f the
lavatory treatment composition TC within the base 39a and defining the fill
level is
physically isolated from the bulk of the water 12 present in the cistern 10.
Further visible
is a siphon means, 100, here visible as a shaped hollow conduit having a first
open end
102, viz., an inlet end, and extending upwardly from within the hollow cavity
35 and near
or abutting the base 39a to a bend 106 which is above the level of the top 39b
of the
outlet 36, and then returns in a downward direction such that it extends
outward of the
device 30 wherein it terminates at a second open end 104, viz, an outlet end..
In the
depicted embodiment, the siphon means 100 is positioned to be within the
interior of the
device 30, with only a small section of the siphon means 100 extending outward
of the
outlet 37. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, with respect to
vertical orientation
the second open end 104, is positioned at a level below the first open end 102
to ensure
that approximately all (<95%) of the volume of the lavatory treatment
composition is
removed from the hollow cavity 35 and transferred to the interior of the
overflow tube 24.
Such however is not an absolute requirement and in other embodiments it is
contemplated that the relative vertical displacement of the first open end 102
with respect
to the second open end 104 of the siphon means 100 may be such that said
second open
end 104 is higher than or above that of the first open end 102 whereby the
amount of any
treatment composition which may be removed from the interior of the hollow
cavity 35
of the device may be less than approximately all. The converse is also true,
especially
wherein the first open end 102 may be at a position upwardly from the base 39a
of the
device, and the second open end 104 may be at a position below that of the
first open end
102, and optionally even below that of the base 39a. In such a configuration,
the siphon
means 100 would operate to remove lavatory treatment composition present in
the device
30 only to the vertical level of the first open end 102, allowing for any
lavatory treatment
composition (or other liquid) present within the hollow cavity 35 above the
base 39a but
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below the level of the first open end 102 to remain within the hollow cavity
between
flush cycles.
Importantly the provision of the siphon means 100 provides for the removal of
a
quantity of the lavatory treatment composition to occur during, but primarily
following
the conclusion of the flush cycle. Such permits for the at least partial
drainage of the
lavatory treatment composition TC to be removed or drained from the device 30,
and
depending upon the configuration of the device and its associated siphon
means, such
may introduce a time delay, that is to say, permit for the prolonged or
delayed delivery of
a lavatory treatment composition after delivery of water via the overflow
conduit 22 has
ceased at the end of the refill cycle of the toilet. Such a time delay is
particularly
advantageous as, following cessation of the delivery of water via the overflow
conduit 22
has ceased, water flowing into the interior of the overflow tube 24 also
ceases and such
permits for the subsequent delivery of a lavatory treatment composition still
present
within the hollow cavity 35 of the interior of the device 30 to be removed via
the siphon
means 100 and delivered into the overflow tube 24 without additional dilution
with water
from the overflow conduit 22.
While not illustrated, a retention means may also be provided for use with the
device 30, or may form part of the device 30, such as one or more springs, or
leaf springs
which are at least partially elastic and which may be present in the linear
gap 38 to
provide improved retention of the device 30 when it is installed in the manner
depicted.
Figure 1 depicts the preferred mode of installation and use of the preferred
embodiments
of the present invention in all manner and forms as described in the following
figures,
although it is recognized that alternative methods of supplying the dispensing
device of
the invention within an overflow tube may also be practiced.
Turning now to Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D therein is depicted in greater detail
in
across sectional view a preferred embodiment of a dispensing device fully
according to
the present invention, which is similar in most respects with that depicted on
Fig. 1,
illustrated as mounted on an overflow tube 24. These figures also illustrate
the sequence
ofprocess steps which are practiced using the device 30 according to the
invention.
Figure 2A illustrates the device 30 mounted on a part of an overflow tube 24
within the interior of a toilet tank 10, immediately prior to a flush cycle.
As visible
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thereon, the device 30 includes a hollow cavity 35 containing a chemical
treatment
composition resting near the base 39a of the device, an inlet 32, a diverter
plate 34a
within the interior of the device 30, and an outlet 36, extending into the
interior of the
overflow tube 24 such that the open end 37 of the outlet 36 is also within the
interior of
the overflow tube 24. The device 30 further includes a siphon means 100 having
a first
open end 102 at or near the base 39a of the device 100, which extends upwardly
via a
bend 106 and then extends downwardly and continues within the interior of the
outlet 36
where it terminates at a second open end 104 which is also within the interior
of the
overflow tube 24. As is also visible thereon, the hollow cavity contains the
chemical
treatment composition 40 in the form a tablet or block, but is essentially
free of any
liquid, especially of any lavatory treatment composition. The tank contains
water 12,
having a top surface 12a or level which is vertically positioned beneath the
open end 26
of the overflow tube 24.
Figure 2B illustrates a next sequential state of the device 30 according to
the
invention at a time just subsequent to the beginning of a flush cycle. As may
be seen
from the figure, water 22 is supplied via the overflow conduit 22 via the
opening 32 and
into the hollow cavity 35 in the interior of the device 30. The water entering
is diverted
by the diverter plate 34a where it contacts the chemical treatment composition
40 and
elutes or dilutes part of the same to form a lavatory treatment composition TC
within the
hollow cavity 35. At this point of the process and at this time, insufficient
water has been
supplied to the hollow cavity 35 to either initiate operation of the siphon
means 100 and
to cause flow of the treatment composition TC to flow outwardly from the
device 30 via
its outlet 36 and outlet opening 37 and thereafter into the overflow tube 24.
Concurrently
the volume of water in the tank decreases as it exits out past the flap valve
34 (not shown)
and flush valve 28 (not shown) causing the level or top surface 12a of water
within the
tank to drop with respect to the open end 26 of the overflow tube 24.
Figure 2C illustrates a next sequential state of the device 30 according to
the
invention at a time subsequent to the beginning of a flush cycle and/or during
the refill
cycle. As illustrated in the figure, sufficient water has been supplied to the
hollow cavity
35 via the overflow conduit 22 such that the lavatory treatment composition TC
formed
within the device 30 such that it flows over the top of the outlet 36b of the
lavatory
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treatment device and downwardly through the outlet 36 and its open end 37 and
into the
overflow tube 37 in the direction of arrows "b". Optionally a quantity of the
lavatory
treatment composition TC may also flow through the siphon means 100 and exit
it second
open end 104 and into the interior of the overflow tube 24 as well.
Figure 2D illustrates a next sequential state of the device 30 according to
the
invention at a time subsequent the refill cycle. As visible thereon, water has
ceased being
supplied via the overflow conduit 22, and the treatment composition TC is
being
transferred outwardly from the device 30 solely by virtue of the siphon means
100.
During this step in the process, treatment composition TC present in the
hollow cavity 35
is withdrawn via the siphon effect and is delivered into the interior of the
overflow tube
24 where it flows downwardly in the direction of arrow "b" from whence it will
pass to
the sump or interior of the toilet bowl. The lavatory treatment composition TC
exits the
siphon means 100 via the second open end 104 which is at a vertical position
lower than
the first open end 102 of the siphon means 100 which ideally will cause a
substantial part
(<90%, but preferably more), but preferably essentially all of (< 95%, but
preferably
more) of the liquid volume of the lavatory treatment composition TC to be
removed from
the device prior to the next flush operation of the toilet, or within the next
30 minutes,
whichever is longer. Such permits for both the prolonged delivery of a
quantity o f the
lavatory treatment composition TC after the flush cycle and also permits for
the chemical
treatment composition 40 to at least partially dry.
Following the removal of the lavatory treatment composition TC in accordance
with the manner described in the steps illustrated on Figs. 2C and 2D, the
device 30
returns to the status and condition as illustrated on Fig. 2A.
The process steps outlined above and discussed with reference to Figs. 2A, 2B,
2C and 2D may be repeated indefinitely.
Figure 3 depicts in a cross-sectional view a further embodiment of a device 30
according to the invention mounted upon a portion of an overflow tube 24. As
is visible
thereon, a siphon means 100 is positioned substantially within the interior of
the device
30, with the second open end 104 extending downwardly within the interior 26
of the
overflow tube 24 and, which second open end 104, viz, outlet, is at a point
vertically
lower than the first open end 102, viz., inlet, of the siphon means 100. The
embodiment
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of figure 3 differs in several respects from the prior embodiments discussed
namely: the
inlet 32 was not vertically disposed above the outlet 36, but rather in the
specific
embodiment, is positioned vertically above the chemical treatment composition
40 and
about the center thereof and, no diverter plate 34 is present as such is not
necessary.
Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view a still further embodiment of a device
30
according to the invention, which is also mounted upon a portion of the
overflow tube 24.
The device 30 depicted on figure is its titular similar to that of prior
figure 3 but differs
still further into the inlet 32 is not placed vertically above the outlet 36
but rather, is
positioned at the opposite side of the top of the device 30 away from the
outlet 36. As is
further visible on figure 4, the dimensions, that is to say a cross-sectional
area of the inlet
32 is substantially narrower than that of bar depictions of the inlet 32. Such
a feature
may be desired where a narrowed inlet would be considered beneficial.
Figure 5 illustrates a still further embodiment of the device 30 according to
the
invention. The depicted embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment
discussed with reference to figures 1, and 2A-2D, but includes several
additional features.
Namely the depicted embodiment includes a divider means 110 here in the form
of a
perforated plate which separates the hollow cavity 35 into an upper part 35a
and a lower
part 35b. The perforated plate permits for the flow of liquids so to permit
for the flow of
lavatory treatment composition between the upper part 35a and the lower part
35b of the
device 30. Concurrently, in this embodiment the inlet 102, viz., the first
open end of the
siphon means 100 is advantageously positioned beneath the divider means 110 at
or near
the bottom of the bottom part 35b and of the hollow cavity 35 such that the
siphon means
100 operates to remove or drain the lavatory treatment composition formed
within the
device 30. Further, the depicted embodiment illustrates a further form of the
chemical
treatment composition 40, which is here provided as a plurality of shaped
bodies, e.g.,
spheres which are positioned in the upper part 35a of the hollow cavity 35 and
separated
from the lower part 35b by virtue of the divider means 110. In such an
embodiment, the
chemical treatment composition may at least partially dry between flush
cycles. It is to be
understood that while each of the plurality of shaped bodies representing
chemical
treatment composition 40 may be formed from the same chemical constituents,
such is
not a requirement and two or more different chemical compositions may be
present.
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Figure 6 depicts in a cross-sectional view a yet further embodiment of the
device
30 according to the invention. The depicted embodiment is substantially
similar to the
embodiment discussed with reference to Figures 1, 2A-2D, but includes several
additional features. Embodiment according to figure 5 further includes a
divider means
110 here in the form of a perforated plate which separates the hollow cavity
35 into an
upper part 35a and a lower part 35b. The perforated plate permits for the flow
of liquids
so to permit for the flow of lavatory treatment composition between the upper
part 35a
and the lower part 35b of the device 30. Concurrently, in this embodiment the
inlet 102,
viz., the first open end of the siphon means 100 is advantageously positioned
at a level
vertically above, or approximately coincident with the divider means 110 such
that,
between flush cycles, any liquid, especially lavatory treatment composition
contained
within the upper part 35a hollow cavity 35 of the device may be drained from
the upper
part 35a of the device, but a further volume of liquid which may be present in
the lower
part 35b of the hollow cavity 35 is retained within the hollow cavity 35 of
the device 30
between flush cycles. This further volume of liquid retained in the lower part
35b of the
device 35 is retained in contact with the chemical treatment composition 40
also present
in the lower part 35b of the device 30 and forms a lavatory treatment
composition TC.
The further chemical treatment composition 40a which is in the upper part 35a
is
supported by virtue of divider means 110 above the level of the further volume
of liquid
retained in the lower part 35b of the device 35 between flush cycles during
which time it
may at least partially dry. In this manner, two (or more) chemical treatment
compositions
can be provided within the hollow cavity of the device, one being positioned
vertically
above the other within the upper part, the other being retained within the
lower part of the
hollow cavity.
Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a
device 30
according to the invention. The device 30 of Fig. 7 is substantially the same
as the
embodiments illustrated and discussed with reference to Figs 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and
2D but
further includes an air treatment element 120. The depicted air treatment
element 120 is a
tray having an open top122 which contains a carrier or substrate (not shown)
for the air
treatment composition or fragrance composition. The air treatment element 120
may be
used to treat the airspace within the toilet tank, and/or the ambient
environment of the
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toilet. Between flush cycles, the air treatment element120is particularly
effective in
delivering a fragrance and/or other air treatment composition to the
surrounding air. It is
believed that during the flush cycle, the passage of the water in the toilet
tank induces the
flow of the surrounding air containing the fragrance and/or other air
treatment
composition through the overflow tube and thereafter to the toilet bowl
wherein a
fragrance and/or other air treatment can be perceived by a consumer or user.
Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a
device 30
according to the invention. The device 30 of Fig. 8 is substantially the same
as the
embodiments illustrated and discussed with reference to Figs 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and
2D but
differs in that the siphon means 100 is integrally formed as a part of the
device 30, as
opposed to the embodiments of Figs 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D wherein the siphon
means was
a discrete element. As visible on Fig. 8, the siphon means 100 is formed as
part of a
sidewall of the device, and includes an inlet end 102 end which includes a
plurality of
perforations 103, an outlet end 104 and intermediate thereto, a bend 106 which
is above
the level of the top 39b of the outlet 36 of the device 30.
Figure 9 illustrates in a partial perspective view a further embodiment of a
lavatory dispensing device 30 which is similar in many regards to the
embodiments
discussed previously and depicted on Figs. 1, 2A- 2D the which can be
differentiated in
that the siphon means 100 abuts the exterior of the device 30. as depicted,
the siphon
means 100 abuts an exterior sidewall 33a and comprises a first open end 102,
viz., an
inlet, and upwardly extending first leg 103 which extends to, and is in fluid
communication with a transverse leg 107 which coincides with the bend 106
previously
discussed, and which transverse leg 107 extends to, and his influence
communication
with a downwardly extending leg 105 which terminates at a second open and 104,
viz., an
outlet. The first open end 102 is in fluid communication with the interior 35
of the device
30, and thus may successfully draw a quantity of a treatment composition or
other liquid
from within said interior, while the opposite second open end 104 is position
exterior of
the device, and in the configuration is adapted to be inserted concurrently
with the outlet
36 of the device 30 and into the interior of an overflow tube (not shown).
According to
the instant embodiment, the provision of a siphon means 100 in such a manner
provides
for an alternative method of fabrication of such a device 30, and also
provides for a
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siphon means 100 which can be rigidly fixed or positioned relative to the
device 30, and
specifically relative to the exterior sidewall 33a.
Figures 10A and 10B illustrate two views of a further embodiment of a lavatory
treatment device 30 according to the invention, the first being a partial plan
view and the
second a partial plan, partial sectional view Referring first to Fig. 10A,
there is depicted
a lavatory dispensing device 30 having an hollow cavity 35 which is partially
divided into
a first hollow cavity part 35a and as second hollow cavity part 35b by a
divider means 60
here a wall contiguous with the bottom wall and two opposite sidewalls of the
device 30.
Present in the first hollow cavity part 35a is a first chemical treatment
composition 40a,
in the form of a cake or tablet which is kept separated from a second chemical
treatment
composition 40b also in the form of a cake or tablet present in the second
hollow cavity
part 35b. This relationship is also depicted in Fig. 4B. Such a form of the
lavatory
dispensing device 30 may be particularly useful wherein it is desired to form
two lavatory
treatment compositions which are respectively formed from the first chemical
treatment
composition 40a in the first hollow cavity part 35a, and the second chemical
treatment
composition 40b in the second hollow cavity part 35b. During a flush cycle,
water
entering the device 30 through the open end 31 of the inlet 32 forces water
into the first
hollow cavity part 35a and also the first lavatory treatment composition over
the top end
60a of the divider means 60 wherein it spills into the second hollow cavity
part 35b and
contacts the second chemical treatment composition 40b present therein where
it entrains
or dissolves at least a part of, thus forming a second lavatory treatment
composition.
This ultimate lavatory treatment composition, viz., the second lavatory
treatment
composition exits out of the open end 37 of the outlet 36 into an overflow
tube and then
to a toilet bowl (both not shown in the figures). During the flush cycle, and
especially
during the refill cycle and preferably also following the conclusion of the
refill cycle, this
ultimate lavatory treatment composition is also delivered via the siphon means
100 to the
overflow tube, and thereafter to the toilet bowl. In such a manner a prolonged
delivery of
the ultimate lavatory treatment composition can be provided. As the liquid
contents of
the second hollow cavity part 35b are removed via the siphon means 100, the
second
chemical treatment composition 40b is provided with an opportunity to at least
partially
dry prior to the next flush cycle of the toilet, while at the same time,
liquid contained
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within the first hollow cavity part 35a can be retained up to the level of the
top end 60a of
the divider means 60, viz., the wall can be retained there between flush
cycles and at least
partially immerse the first chemical treatment composition 40a which may be
advantageous particularly if such is the bleach containing block, war is a
material which
releases one or more chemical constituents having a sanitized and oriented
microbial
benefits. A time interval of partial immersion of said first chemical
treatment
composition 40a in these to form a more concentrated first lavatory treatment
composition which may be beneficial in the treatment of a laboratory appliance
specially
toilet bowl.
In such an embodiment of the lavatory dispensing device 30, two chemically
incompatible chemical treatment compositions and/or lavatory treatment
compositions
may be formed and kept physically isolated from one another until they are
sequentially
mixed during the flush cycle and only thereafter delivered. For example, such
a device
30 may be used wherein the first chemical treatment composition 40a is a
bleach block,
and the second chemical treatment composition 40b is a block containing a
colorant, e.g.,
a dye which would otherwise be bleached if kept in contact with the first
lavatory
treatment composition formed from the bleach block. As a further example, such
a
device 30 may be used wherein the first chemical treatment composition 40a is
a bleach
containing block, and the second chemical treatment composition 40b is a block
containing one or more surfactants which can provide useful forming benefits.
Use of the
embodiment of the lavatory dispensing device 30 shown ensures that any contact
with the
bleach containing, first lavatory treatment composition formed from the bleach
block,
and the second, colorant containing, second lavatory treatment composition
formed from
the block containing a colorant is for only a few seconds prior to being
delivered through
the overflow tube 24 and thereafter into the toilet bowl. Such may permit for
the delivery
of a bleach containing, but colored lavatory treatment composition to a toilet
bowl which
may however lose its visual color over time, thus providing a visually
discernible benefit.
As a further example, such a device 30 may be used wherein the first chemical
treatment composition 40a is a bleach containing block, and the second
chemical
treatment composition 40b is a block containing one or more surfactants which
can
provide useful foaming benefits. The use of such an embodiment of the device
30
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permits for the formation of the concentrated form of a first lavatory
treatment
composition due to the prolonged immersion or least partial immersion of the
bleach
containing block within a quantity of water contained within the first hollow
cavity part
35a, while concurrently permitting for the second chemical treatment
composition 40b,
viz., a block containing one or more surfactants to at least partially dried
between flush
cycles. Such may be technically advantageous as tablets, blocks, or cakes
containing a
relatively high proportion of surfactants are known to quickly soften and
frugally
undesirably quickly degrade when immersed in water. The use of the device
according to
the instant embodiment permits for the brief contact of the first laboratory
treatment
composition with the second chemical treatment composition to occur during the
flush
cycle, but in the typically relatively longer time intervals between flush
cycles, removal
of a substantial amount of liquid from the second hollow cavity part 35b
permits for the
second chemical treatment composition 40b to at least partially dry, and
thereby
prolonging the useful service life of the device, and due to the prolonged
delivery of the
ultimate laboratory treatment composition via the siphon means 100, also
deliver an
aliquot of the ultimate laboratory treatment composition containing
surfactants to the
sump of a toilet bowl where it maybe visibly perceived by a consumer.
Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C depict three views of a further embodiment of a
lavatory
treatment device 30 divided into a first hollow cavity part 35a and as second
hollow
cavity part 35b by a divider means, here a wall 60 contiguous with the bottom
wall, and
two opposite sidewalls and with the top of the device 30, such that the hollow
cavity part
35 is completely divided. The divider means, here the wall 60 also extends
into and
divides the outlet 36 as well. Present in the first hollow cavity part 35a is
a first chemical
treatment composition 40a, in the form of a cake or tablet which is kept
separated by the
wall 60 from a second chemical treatment composition 40b also in the form of a
cake or
tablet present in the second hollow cavity part 35b. Means for dividing the
flow of water
into the device 30, namely a construction of the inlet 32 which includes two
separate and
preferably equally sized inlet orifices 32a, 32b which respectively provide
water into the
respective first hollow cavity part 35a and second hollow cavity part 35b.
Such permits
for the division of water flowing into the device 30, but continues to keep
the first hollow
cavity part 35a and second hollow cavity part 35b isolated from one another.
The detail
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of this construction is more clearly visible in the partial top plan view of
the inlet 32
provided by Fig. 1B. Fig. 11C depicts a cross sectional view of the device 30
along
section line xl-xl of Fig. 11A, as viewed toward the direction of the outlet
36. As is
visible thereon, the first hollow cavity part 35a contains a first chemical
treatment
composition 40a, while the second hollow cavity part 35b contains a second
chemical
treatment composition 40b, here both in the form of tablets or cakes. Also
visible are the
respective inlet orifices 32a and 32b. Considering Fig. 11A and Fig. 11C, it
is now better
understood that in use, a first lavatory treatment composition formed by the
contact of
water and the first chemical treatment composition 40a present in the first
hollow cavity
part 35a exits the device via a first outlet 36a and through the open end 37a
thereof, and
concurrently a second lavatory treatment composition formed by the contact of
water and
the second chemical treatment composition 40b present in the second hollow
cavity part
35b exits the device via a second outlet 36b and through the open end 37b
thereof,
wherein the stream of the first lavatory treatment composition and the stream
of the
second lavatory treatment composition first intermix. During the refill cycle,
and
preferably after the refill cycle of the toilet, the siphon means 100 removes
quantities of
the first lavatory treatment composition from the first hollow cavity part 35a
via its inlet
102 and passes it out its outlet 104, thereby substantially draining the first
lavatory
treatment composition from the first hollow cavity part 35a and from the
device 30
during the refill cycle and/or following the refill cycle. While not
illustrated it is to be
understood that the lavatory dispensing device 30 is mounted via its outlet
element 36,
here the combined first outlet 36a and second outlet 36b, on an overflow tube
34 in a
manner hereintofore described, e.g. Fig. 1. Accordingly the present embodiment
of Figs.
11A - 11C provide an embodiment wherein two separate lavatory treatment
compositions
are separately formed and maintained within the device 30 in a parallel type
relationship,
and only are mixed together to form an ultimate lavatory treatment composition
after
streams of the two separate lavatory treatment compositions exit the device 30
and
intermix.
Figure 12 illustrates in a cross-sectional view an embodiment of the device
according to the invention wherein the outlet of the device operates as the
siphon means,
as well as the outlet of the device. The depicted embodiment is similar in
many respects
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to the embodiments illustrated on Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, but can be
differentiated therefrom
in that the siphon means 100 is integrally formed in the device 30 such that a
part of the
siphon means 100 takes the place of the outlet 36 of the lavatory treatment
device 30,
such that any treatment composition (not shown) present in the hollow cavity
35
ultimately flows via the siphon means 100 and is delivered to the interior 26
of the
overflow tube 24 via the second open end 104 of the siphon means 100.
In the embodiment illustrated on Fig. 12, with respect to vertical
orientation, the
second open end 104, is positioned at a level below the first open end 102 to
ensure that
approximately all (< 95%) of the volume of the lavatory treatment composition
is
removed from the hollow cavity 35 and transferred out of the device, here via
the second
open end 104 of the siphon means 100. Such however is not an absolute
requirement and
in other embodiments it is contemplated that the relative vertical
displacement of the first
open end 102 with respect to the second open end 104 of the siphon means 100
may be
such that said second open end 104 is higher than or above that of the first
open end 102
whereby the amount of any treatment composition which may be removed from the
interior of the hollow cavity 35 of the device may be less than approximately
all. The
converse is also true, especially wherein the first open end 102 may be at a
position
upwardly from the base 39a of the device, and the second open end 104 may be
at a
position below that of the first open end 102, and optionally even below that
of the base
39a. In such a configuration, the siphon means 100 would operate to remove
lavatory
treatment composition present in the device 30 only to the vertical level of
the first open
end 102, allowing for any lavatory treatment composition (or other liquid)
present within
the hollow cavity 35 above the base 39a but below the level of the first open
end 102 to
remain within the hollow cavity between flush cycles.
With regard to the foregoing embodiments described herein it is to be
understood
that part or elements of one embodiment can be substituted for a related part
or elements
in different embodiments illustrated on different figures.
It is also to be understood that where a single siphon means is described with
reference to device, that a plurality of siphon means may be associated or
provided with
any embodiment of a device according to the invention.
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It is to be understood that a lavatory dispensing device as disclosed herein
may
also have a different geometry, configuration or and appearance than the
embodiments
described in the Figures and still be considered to fall within the scope of
the invention.
In a further aspect of the present invention there is also provided a process
for
delivering a treatment composition to a sanitary appliance, especially
preferably, to the
interior of a toilet bowl, and still more preferably to the sump of the toilet
bowl or other
sanitary appliance. This process includes the steps of: providing a lavatory
dispensing
device as described hereinabove to the cistern of a toilet or other lavatory
appliance
having an overflow tube wherein at least a part of the lavatory dispensing
device is
inserted in to the interior of the overflow tube, and, periodically supplying
water through
the lavatory treatment device in order to form a lavatory treatment
composition with said
water which lavatory treatment composition is used to treat a part of the
sanitary
appliance downstream of the overflow tube, preferably the interior of a toilet
bowl, and
via the use of a siphon means, transferring, removing or draining a quantity
of a lavatory
treatment composition from the device.
The foregoing process may be practiced to provide a cleaning treatment and/or
a
sanitizing or disinfecting treatment to the toilet bowl or a part thereof, or
alternately to a
part of a sanitary appliance.
Preferably the foregoing process is practiced such that at least 60%,
preferably at
least 70%, and more preferably at least 80% of the water provided to the
overflow tube
during a flush cycle is provided subsequent to the release of water from the
cistern to the
interior of the toilet bowl, particularly via a valve, whereby at least 60%,
preferably at
least 70%, and more preferably at least 80% of a lavatory treatment
composition formed
by contacting the at least one chemical treatment composition with water is
provided to
the toilet bowl or lavatory appliance following the closing of the valve
during the flush
cycle.
In order to further illustrate the present invention, various examples of
preferred
embodiments of the invention are described, following. In these examples, as
well as
throughout the balance of this specification and claims, all parts and
percentages are by
weight unless otherwise indicated.
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CA 02764065 2011-11-30
WO 2010/139584
PCT/EP2010/057264
While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative
forms,
it is to be understood that specific embodiments thereof have been shown by
way of
example in the drawings which are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular
forms disclosed; on the contrary the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents
and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the invention as
expressed in the
appended claims.
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